France tackles ISPs in online piracy battle

In the past, copyright owners have targeted website owners and the consumers who download illegally from them in their fight against music and movie pirates

But now the French government is
forcing the internet middlemen to play a role in catching
copyright infringers.

On November 23, the French
government announced it is to set up an independent body which
will send out warnings to individuals who share files over the
internet illegally. It will do so with the help of internet
service providers (ISPs).

If downloaders refuse to comply,
they will risk having their internet accounts suspended or
terminated.

The plan was backed by representatives of ISPs as well as
music producers and artists. It was developed after Denis
Olivennes, from the French retailer FNAC, issued a report
outlining proposals to curb online piracy and...